Two month check up!

It was a big day for Brennan today - first we went to play group, but had to leave early....to go to the doctor for his two month check up and to start (da da da....) shots!

The group picture is of playgroup - there 7 of us that get together every Tuesday (until Jan when I go back to work full time - sad) - each week, we go to someone else's house - have some food, maybe an adult beverage, and lots of laughter (and lots of breastfeeding!).

So PJ and I were really worried about the dr's appt today - as many of you know, we were most nervous about vaccinations and really struggled with what to do. There are just so many unknowns with vaccinations. So we did what we do best - we researched, lots. Lots of reading, lots of talking to friends who both did and did not vaccinate, lots of talking to the doctor, some internet research. And we came up with a plan that we feel fairly comfortable with, though not 100%, again b/c of all the unknowns and LACK of quality research on vaccinations.

First things first.....

Weight - 12 pounds, 11 1/2 ounces

Length - 24 inches

He is in the 75-90% in weight, length, and head size! Big Baby Brennan Boy! That's our future quarterback (only if I decide he can play such a sport - soccer is a little less rough, and cross country is even better!).

And here is what we decided to do with vaccinations:

Opted out of the Rotavirus vaccine - too new and too many unknowns.

2 mos - Hib, DTaP, PC

Will continue those three at 4 and 6 mos.

Delaying Polio and MMR for now....not sure when we will do those. We will, probably before he turns 5, but just cannot say with certainty when.

Chickenpox - if he doesn't get the actual virus before he turns 5, we will have him vaccinated.

Hep A and B - wait until he is older - maybe 10-12 ish..... as of now we do not have a intravenous drug using sex maniac for a son, so we feel comfortable waiting, considering that is how you get it!

We are somewhat concerned with the amounts of aluminum in the vaccines, so are trying to minimize it, though he got more than we would have liked today. Since we opted out of the rotavirus (weren't planning too, but after chatting with the dr, decided it was best), we opted to do three today, rather than just two and saving two for next month. That way we only have to go every two months for now.

Brennan did amazing during his shots. I opted to breastfeed him to minimize the pain and shock. You could see it in his eyes when he got the vaccination, but he just kept eating - at quite a pace (that explains the 12 pounds!) - he let out one wail at the end and has basically been sleeping since. I can handle that.

The laughing baby

Brennan continues to be such a joy! We got great news a few weeks ago at the doctor - perfect hips, so no worries there. We go to the regular doc next week to have his two month check up and start vaccinations. And yes, we are vaccinating, but we are opting for an alternative schedule for various reasons - still working it out. Luckily we have a VERY supportive and open minded doctor who fully supports our decision to make alternative choices for Brennan.

Sleeping is still an interesting thing in our house - Brennan is sleeping in the crib during the day finally - though he is more of a cat napper than anything else - takes lots of 30 min naps throughout the day. Still gets up quite often at night to nurse and sleeps in both the co-sleeper and with us. It works!

Can you believe I start work next week? Just on a part time basis until Jan....actually I am looking forward to it - I am ready to be on more of a schedule! I think it will help with sleep as well - though I anticipate I will spend more of my evenings nursing than I already do!

Oh, get this - Brennan rolled over at playgroup the other day - from his back to his belly - it was amazing - he did it twice, though hasn't done it since.....

He is starting to laugh, which is so cute, and LOVES to look in the mirror. I can tell that soon he will be ready to play with toys, though we are not quite there yet.